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Waiting for God

Zakia Maryam in Panitrash Gram, West Bengal

Madhusudan Jana of Panitrash Gram in Howrah district has not sit down for over 17,000 hours now. He should have no problem in getting his name into the Guinness Book of World Records. But that's not what he wants. He is seeking something much, much bigger - the God himself.

And to get a glimpse of the Almighty, he is prepared to remain standing for another 120360 hours.

Madhu's tapasya, as he likes to call it, has taken its toll on his body. His legs have swollen and he has lost several kilos. Villagers confirmed that he even slips into sleep leaning against an improvised swing inside his little thatched hut.

Madhu's typical day begins with a prayer and ends with a prayer. He chants Rama's name 3 lakh times every day. Youngest of four brothers and one sister, he does not shoulder any family responsibility.

"Why should I worry about the welfare of my family when I know God is there to look after us. After all what I have been doing over the months is primarily to appease the Almighty. I know we all are His children and He will not let us suffer," says Madhu.

Villagers recall Madhu's inclination towards God was evident in his childhood. Says his neighbour, Subrata Pal: "Even when we were kids, Bhagwan (his childhood name) would stay away from all our activities. Every time he saw a girl, including his sister, he would close his eyes. He never ate non-vegetarian food and was fond of visiting temples and attending yatras."

Situated about 150 km away from Calcutta, Panitrash Gram has around 120 families, all of them grappling with extreme poverty.

Madhu stays with his leprosy-stricken father and mother, while his brothers and sisters, after getting married, have all left. But, they are coming back now, attracted by their brother's sudden fame.

Madhu's mother, Urmila Jana, is not sure how to deal with her son. "Aamra kee badha diye rakhtay paree (Can we keep him tied with topes?)."

She, however, is quite sure that God would not let any harm come upon her son.

This is a belief that Madhu shares with his mother. "Though I am not sure whether my tapasya will succeed in my lifetime, I am not going to give up...," he says.

The fame has brought attendant problems. "After reporters began visiting my village, I find it increasingly difficult to devote as much time to puja as I did earlier. Earlier I used to chant Rama's name 3 lakh times every day, now I manage only 2 lakh repetitions."

Though unlettered, Madhusudan, who now wants to be called as Madanmohan Goswami ( as wished by his Dharamguru of Puri), is well versed in Vedas.

He claims he has travelled to Ayodhya, Puri, Navadeep, Kashi and Brindaban.

But back home, however, his mother continues to worry about where the next meal will come from. "Please do something for us...all we want is food for three of us," she pleads.

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